News and updates

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Upcoming public meetings and events

July 30, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

October 22, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

Notice of proposed regulatory action - airbag safety NEW

BAR has released a Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action to amend Section 3367 of Chapter 1 of Division 33 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. The proposed regulatory action would expand airbag safety requirements for automotive repair dealers.

BAR will accept written comments on the proposed regulatory action from July 10 to August 24, 2026.

View the notice and other proposal materials

New regulations effective July 1 NEW

Regulations related to business license information updates and biometric device requirements take effect July 1, 2026.

Licensees are encouraged to review the following information to help ensure compliance.

Business license information updates

  • A change of business address must be reported within 14 days
  • Other changes (such as phone number, email, service type, or controlling individual changes) must be reported within 30 days

Report a change of address or update other license information

Biometric device and inspection manual updates

An updated Smog Check Manual and Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual are now available. The updated manuals—dated April 2025—allow the use of any approved biometric palm vein scanner model, instead of a single model. Licensees must use and follow the updated manuals effective July 1, 2026.

View the updated manuals:

News release: Los Angeles-area auto repair shop's license suspended after BAR investigation NEW

The state license of Los Angeles-based automotive repair dealer has been suspended after an investigation by BAR revealed the business was engaging in fraudulent, predatory and deceptive business practices that resulted in consumer harm.

Read the news release online. A Spanish version is also available.

Biometric device updates regulations approved – effective July 1, 2026

On April 2, 2026, the Office of Administrative Law approved and filed with the Secretary of State the BAR's regulatory action concerning biometric device updates. This regulatory action becomes effective on July 1, 2026.

The regulations update both the Smog Check Manual and Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual to allow the use of any approved palm vein scanner model, instead of a single model. Updated manuals reflecting this change will be available on BAR’s website by the July 1 effective date.

To view the final regulatory text and materials, see Regulatory actions.

Change of address requirements regulations approved – effective July 1, 2026

On March 30, 2026, the Office of Administrative Law approved and filed with the Secretary of State BAR's regulatory action concerning change of address requirements. This regulatory action becomes effective on July 1, 2026.

Summary of changes

  • Updates throughout BAR regulations the timeframe for automotive repair dealers to report a change of address and other material changes.

    • A change of address must be reported within 14 days.

    • Material changes (e.g., changes to a business phone number or controlling individuals) must be reported within 30 days.

  • Removes duplicative text and makes minor grammatical changes to improve clarity and consistency.

Additional information

To view the final regulatory text and materials, see Regulatory actions.

To report a change of address or update other license information, see Update your license.

BAR launches updated online license renewal system

BAR is launching an updated online license renewal system. The new system is easier to use, faster, and more accurate. It now also allows licensees to renew multiple licenses at the same time in one transaction.

What’s new and improved

The updated system offers licensees several key benefits:

  • Check eligibility for renewal. The system checks license renewal eligibility to help licensees avoid errors and delays.

  • Renew multiple licenses at once. Licensees can now renew more than one license in one simple transaction.

  • Make one combined payment. Pay renewal fees for multiple licenses in one easy payment.

  • Avoid payment errors. The system ensures payments are applied to the correct license number and type.

  • Renew all license types. Vehicle safety systems inspection licenses can now be renewed online.

  • Receive faster processing. Payments are processed more quickly, reducing delays and follow-up issues.

Courtesy notices are mailed to licensees before their license expiration date. Licensees are reminded that it is their responsibility to renew on time, even if they do not receive a notice.

Updated Write It Right guide provides updates and clarifications for automotive repair dealers

BAR has updated the Write It Right guide. The updated guide clarifies existing requirements and reflects new regulations.

Highlights of the updates include:

  • Mobile repair invoices – An invoice for mobile automotive repairs must include the address or location where the repairs were performed.

  • Tear down estimates – Estimates must describe the general area to be disassembled—an itemized list of every part to be removed is not required.

  • Paint and materials costs – New guidance explains two acceptable ways to estimate paint and materials costs.

Stay current! Bookmark the Write It Right guide to access the latest version.

New laws taking effect in 2026

Each year, new laws go into effect that can have an impact on the automotive repair industry. Below is a summary of the key changes taking effect January 1, 2026. We've also included reminders to help licensees stay in compliance.

New laws for 2026

AB 987 (Sharp-Collins): Vehicle storage and towing

Assembly Bill 987 expands the list of presumptively unreasonable fees in Vehicle Code sections 10652.5 and 22524.5 to include, among other things, storage fees charged for state holidays that exceed the posted standard daily storage rate. It also includes towing fees charged when the owner is directed by a law enforcement officer to remove their vehicle to clear the roadway during a state or local emergency.

SB 774 (Ashby): Citation and remedial training programs

Senate Bill 774 bill extends the sunset (or end) date of the remedial training program for automotive repair dealers from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028. The program allows an automotive repair dealer to prevent disclosure on the Bureau website of a citation for violation of the Automotive Repair Act by attending remedial training from a BAR-accepted training provider.

SB 861 (Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee): Technical Cleanup

Senate Bill 861 updates cross references to the Business and Professions Code that replaced provisions for licensure of lamp and brake adjusting stations and adjusters with provisions for licensure of vehicle safety systems inspection stations and technicians.

Important reminders for the new year

The start of the year is a good time to review ongoing requirements:

The Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting

Join the Referee team and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Positions are open at community college campuses throughout California. Learn more

BAR career opportunities are available for auto professionals

We’re hiring! BAR is seeking professionals in the automotive industry to fill automotive program representative vacancies across the state. For information on openings and how to apply, visit Career opportunities.

Fraud alerts for DCA licensed professionals

DCA licensed professionals may be impacted by fraudulent activity. Read fraud alerts